The Falcons made the Lions pay for an early turnover.
After forcing a Mikel Leshoure fumble, the Falcons marched to an easy touchdown to take a 7-0 lead with 5:50 left in the first quarter.
On 3rd and 1 from the Detroit 44, quarterback Matt Ryan threw deep to wide receiver Roddy White, who beat Lions cornerback Chris Houston just enough to make the long touchdown catch.
In the battle of former teammates, the White has an early edge over Houston.